Frozen Green Pine Cones — White Pine & Spruce

GREEN PINE CONES — FROZEN
 
Frozen green pine cones make this unusual forest ingredient convenient to store and use throughout the year.
 
Green pine cones have a bold, aromatic flavor that combines pine, citrus, resin, herbs and light floral notes. They can be used to create traditional preserves and liqueurs or to add a distinctly northern-forest character to drinks, desserts, sauces and savory dishes.
 
WAYS TO USE GREEN PINE CONES
 
Mugolio and Pine Cone Syrup
Layer chopped or whole green cones with sugar and allow the mixture to draw out their aromatic juices. The resulting syrup—commonly called mugolio—can be used in:
Cocktails and zero-proof drinks
Sparkling water, lemonade and iced tea
Pancakes, waffles and French toast
Ice cream, yogurt and panna cotta
Cakes, cookies, custards and pastries
Cheese and charcuterie boards
Glazes for pork, duck, game and roasted vegetables
Vinaigrettes, sauces and marinades
 
Varenye and Pine Cone Preserves
Varenye is a traditional Eastern European and Caucasian preserve made by simmering young cones in sugar syrup, honey or reduced apple cider. Use the finished preserve with:
Soft and aged cheeses
Crème fraîche or yogurt
Toast, biscuits and pastries
Ice cream and custards
Roasted meats and game
Savory spreads and vegetable pâtés
 
The smallest and most tender cones may be candied or preserved whole. Larger green cones are generally better chopped and used to flavor the syrup rather than eaten.
 
Zirbenz and Pine Cone Liqueurs
Green pine cones can be sliced and infused in vodka, grain spirit or another neutral alcohol to make a pine-forward liqueur inspired by Alpine Zirbenz and Zirbenschnaps. Serve it on its own or use it in cocktails with:
Gin
Whiskey
Brandy
Tonic or soda
Citrus
Honey
Herbal and bitter liqueurs
 
Other Culinary Uses
Infuse into honey, vinegar or simple syrup
Make shrubs and drinking vinegars
Flavor hot tea or seasonal punches
Add to apple, pear, berry or stone-fruit preserves
Use in pan sauces for pork, duck and wild game
Incorporate into pastry fillings, caramel and ganache
Flavor ice cream, sorbet, granita and frozen desserts
Candy the smallest tender cones for garnishes
Pair with goat cheese, Brie, blue cheese or crème fraîche
 
FLAVOR PROFILE
Piney, citrusy, resinous, herbal and lightly floral, with a flavor that can range from bright and refreshing to deep and balsamic depending on the preparation.
 
STORAGE AND PREPARATION
Keep frozen until ready to use. Remove only the quantity needed and return the remainder promptly to the freezer. Rinse before preparation. Cones may be used whole, halved or chopped depending on their size and the recipe. Partially thawed cones are often easier to handle when slicing.
 
Because pine-cone flavor is concentrated, begin with a modest amount and adjust to taste.
Sold frozen. Intended for culinary use.